However, Wright says he is a firm believer in controlled growth, believing that if the equestrian center "does what it is supposed to do and keeps to its promises, (its) tax money will help schools out."

In his opinion, agreements made with Wildwood developers will be critical.

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They should put in writing that the 85 percent greenspace pledged will remain and that landscaping and parking lots will be maintained at all times, Wright said.

Furthermore, Wright said he would like a written agreement that if the center would be shut down, sold or abandoned, developers would be responsible for putting the land back the way it was. Otherwise, he said, the agreement should give the county the right "to seize it, turn it back, and resell it."

Noah said she still needs more information from Wildwood sources.

"Right now, it is difficult to come to a conclusion" regarding the equestrian center, she said.

Noah said she is especially concerned about the safety and infrastructure upgrades that will be needed because of the development.

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At one of the first Wildwood public meetings, Noah asked for an economic accounting that would demonstrate whether revenue realized from Wildwood would cover expected costs as defined by the county engineer and sheriff. That accounting has not yet been delivered. However, she added, "lack of documentation is not necessarily the fault of the developer," since the state has not yet revealed how much of the cost of necessary road upgrades it will share.

Wright and Noah expressed other reservations specifically related to Wildwood, yet applying to development in general.

"It's not clear to me the income levels of employment planned for their projects," Noah said, adding that the county does not have sufficient housing available for employees earning "minimal" salaries.

Wright said that any development should offer a wage "that will support families."

"My main concern (with Wildwood) is the crime it might cause that close to Interstate 71," Wright said. "The county would have to expand its police force."

Whether the area water supply is sufficient to support Wildwood -- a question that applies to other commercial development -- has been consistently voiced as a concern by both area residents and some county officials.

"If Wildwood would put up their own reservoir, that would solve some of the water problems," Wright said.

"I think a lot of the water questions have been answered," Noah said, both by documentation and drilling of test wells.

However, she said, qualifying that thought, "I don't know whether we should be 100 percent sure."

Water has become a "magic negative word," she said.

Noah pointed out that Wayne County is participating in a multi-county study of water tables that will provide accurate figures to use.

"I'm cautious about water, but not frightened," Noah said. "It is a precious commodity and we do have to be judicious in its use."

Using zoning as a method of controlling growth -- which both Wright and Noah agree cannot be completely halted -- is also a divisive issue.

"I live where it is zoned because I prefer some control," Noah said. But, "I will not as a county (official) initiate, impose or even put zoning on the ballot county-wide," she added, recalling that years ago a county-wide zoning ballot issue was "resoundingly defeated."

"Zoning against the people's will would not be successful," said Noah. She added, however, that she would help townships with zoning guidelines "if that's what they decided to do."

Wright said he doesn't care for zoning.

"When you zone, you're taking away a lot of the rights of the people," he said.

Wright is in favor of using the county's comprehensive plan as a method for guiding growth and preserving farmland.

According to Noah, "One of the greatest controls on growth is self-discipline (on the part of) property owners and cities. It takes all entities to be judicious in the expenditure of land."

Preserving farmland can be achieved by "wooing farm buyers" as well as industry, Noah said, adding that the county can also control growth by "not running water and sewer lines up and down" county highways.